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10 Best CAD Laptops 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

HP 14" Laptop, Intel Core i5-1235U Processor, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, FHD Display, Up to 8hrs battery, Win 11, Dual Speakers, Natural Silver, 14s-dq5005sa

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,119
Processor (CPU)
Display
Portability
Processor (CPU)
Performance handles basic multitasking smoothly but is best suited for light usage rather than demanding programs or gaming.
Display
The Full HD screen offers great resolution and quality for the price, enhancing everyday tasks.
Portability
The sleek and lightweight design makes this laptop easy to carry, ideal for commuting or casual use.

This HP 14" laptop offers a slim and light design, making it easy to carry around if you need portability. It has a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with 10 cores, which helps with multitasking and running multiple programs smoothly. The 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB SSD provide decent speed and storage for general use. The Full HD display is clear and has an anti-glare coating, which is good for extended periods of work.

However, the laptop uses Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics rather than a dedicated graphics card. For CAD work, this means it may handle light to moderate 2D projects well but could struggle with more complex 3D modeling or rendering tasks that require stronger graphics power. The RAM is fixed at 8 GB and cannot be expanded, which might limit performance with larger CAD files or more demanding software. Battery life is solid at around 8 hours, and HP Fast Charge helps reduce downtime. With three USB 3.0 ports and Bluetooth, connectivity is practical for peripherals.

This HP laptop suits students or professionals needing a basic CAD laptop for simpler projects and good portability. For heavy-duty CAD work, especially 3D design, a model with a dedicated GPU and more RAM would be a better fit.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,119
Processor (CPU)
Display
Portability
Processor (CPU)
Performance handles basic multitasking smoothly but is best suited for light usage rather than demanding programs or gaming.
Display
The Full HD screen offers great resolution and quality for the price, enhancing everyday tasks.
Portability
The sleek and lightweight design makes this laptop easy to carry, ideal for commuting or casual use.
#2

Lenovo LOQ | 15 inch Full HD Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i7-13650HX | 24GB RAM | 1TB SSD | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 | Windows 11 Home | Luna Grey

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Graphics Card (GPU)
RAM
Processor (CPU)
Delivers smooth handling of demanding games and complex data without compromise.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The RTX 4060 graphics card manages gaming and 3D tasks with ease, ensuring a solid experience.
RAM
Offers excellent performance with 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and RTX 4060 graphics at a very competitive price point.
Storage
Offers excellent performance with 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and RTX 4060 graphics at a very competitive price point.
Portability
Build quality feels sturdy and reliable, contributing to a premium user experience.

The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 is a solid choice for CAD users who want a gaming laptop that can handle demanding design software. Its Intel Core i7-13650HX processor is powerful enough to manage complex CAD tasks smoothly, and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card offers good support for 3D modeling and rendering with 8GB of dedicated video memory. The 24GB of DDR5 RAM ensures multitasking and larger projects run without slowdowns, while the 1TB SSD provides fast storage and quick access to files. The 15.6-inch Full HD screen with a 144Hz refresh rate delivers clear and smooth visuals, though the 1920x1080 resolution might feel limiting if you need very detailed views or more screen space for complex drawings. Its brightness of 300 nits is decent but may not be ideal in very bright environments.

The laptop is relatively portable thanks to a slim design and effective cooling system that keeps it cool and quiet during heavy use. It also includes useful features like a backlit keyboard and MIL-STD durability, making it practical for both work and casual gaming. However, at 2.38 kg, it’s not the lightest option if you need to carry it around all day. This Lenovo offers strong performance and good value for CAD users who want a balance of power and portability, but those requiring ultra-high resolution or extreme portability might want to explore other options.

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Graphics Card (GPU)
RAM
Processor (CPU)
Delivers smooth handling of demanding games and complex data without compromise.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The RTX 4060 graphics card manages gaming and 3D tasks with ease, ensuring a solid experience.
RAM
Offers excellent performance with 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and RTX 4060 graphics at a very competitive price point.
Storage
Offers excellent performance with 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and RTX 4060 graphics at a very competitive price point.
Portability
Build quality feels sturdy and reliable, contributing to a premium user experience.
#3

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 | 14 inch Full HD Laptop | Intel Core i5-12450H | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD | Windows 11 Home | Abyss Blue

Rating
9.4
RAM
Storage
Display
RAM
Performance is quick and responsive, thanks to the Micron PCLe 4.0 SSD and 16GB of DDR5 memory.
Storage
Performance is quick and responsive, thanks to the Micron PCLe 4.0 SSD and 16GB of DDR5 memory.
Display
The display requires direct viewing and higher brightness levels for the best experience.
Portability
The laptop is compact, slim, and lightweight, making it perfect for on-the-go work.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is a 14-inch Full HD laptop equipped with an Intel Core i5-12450H processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. This laptop offers solid performance for CAD tasks with its relatively high RAM and fast CPU. The integrated graphics card, however, might not be ideal for intensive 3D modeling or rendering, which typically benefit from dedicated GPUs.

The Full HD display with narrow bezels ensures a clear and immersive visual experience, and features such as TÜV Certified Low Blue Light help reduce eye strain during long working hours. Dolby Audio enhances audio quality, making it suitable for media consumption as well. The laptop is lightweight, weighing only 1.37 kg, which makes it highly portable for on-the-go work.

Rapid-charging technology adds convenience, providing up to 2 hours of use on a 14-minute charge. Privacy is enhanced with a webcam shutter, and connectivity options are robust with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, multiple USB ports, HDMI, and a card reader. While this laptop is suitable for basic CAD work and other general uses, those who need more powerful graphics capabilities may need to consider models with dedicated GPUs. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is ideal for users who prioritize portability, decent performance, and a good display for CAD tasks rather than top-tier graphical power.

Rating
9.4
RAM
Storage
Display
RAM
Performance is quick and responsive, thanks to the Micron PCLe 4.0 SSD and 16GB of DDR5 memory.
Storage
Performance is quick and responsive, thanks to the Micron PCLe 4.0 SSD and 16GB of DDR5 memory.
Display
The display requires direct viewing and higher brightness levels for the best experience.
Portability
The laptop is compact, slim, and lightweight, making it perfect for on-the-go work.

Buying Guide for the Best CAD Laptops

When choosing a laptop for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) work, it's crucial to focus on performance, display quality, and portability. CAD software can be demanding, requiring a laptop that can handle complex calculations and renderings efficiently. Your choice should be guided by the specific CAD applications you use, the complexity of your projects, and whether you need to work on the go or primarily at a desk. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that balances power, usability, and convenience.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of your laptop and is crucial for running CAD software smoothly. A powerful CPU can handle complex calculations and multitasking, which is essential for CAD work. Processors are typically divided into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end. Entry-level CPUs might struggle with larger projects, while mid-range CPUs can handle most tasks efficiently. High-end CPUs are best for very complex designs or if you plan to use the laptop for other demanding tasks like 3D rendering. Choose a CPU based on the complexity of your CAD projects and whether you need to run multiple applications simultaneously.
Graphics Card (GPU)The graphics card is responsible for rendering images and is particularly important for 3D CAD work. A dedicated GPU is preferable over integrated graphics, as it can significantly improve performance in rendering and visualizing complex models. GPUs are categorized into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end. Entry-level GPUs may suffice for 2D CAD work, while mid-range GPUs are suitable for most 3D tasks. High-end GPUs are necessary for very detailed 3D modeling and rendering. Your choice should depend on whether you work primarily in 2D or 3D and the complexity of your models.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is crucial for multitasking and handling large files in CAD applications. More RAM allows your laptop to work with larger models and run multiple applications simultaneously without slowing down. RAM is typically available in increments of 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB or more. For basic CAD tasks, 8GB might be sufficient, but 16GB is recommended for more complex projects. If you work with very large models or need to run several demanding applications at once, consider 32GB or more. Choose based on the size and complexity of your projects and your multitasking needs.
StorageStorage affects how much data you can keep on your laptop and how quickly you can access it. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are faster than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and can significantly improve the performance of your CAD software. Storage is usually measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). For CAD work, an SSD is recommended for faster load times and better overall performance. A 256GB SSD might be enough for basic use, but 512GB or 1TB is better for storing large files and projects. Consider your storage needs based on the size of your projects and whether you store files locally or in the cloud.
DisplayThe display is important for viewing your designs clearly and accurately. A larger, high-resolution screen can make it easier to work on detailed projects. Displays are measured by size (in inches) and resolution (such as Full HD, 4K). A 15-inch display is a good balance between portability and screen real estate, while a 17-inch display offers more space for detailed work. Higher resolutions like 4K provide sharper images, which can be beneficial for precision work. Choose a display size and resolution based on your need for portability versus the need for a detailed view of your designs.
PortabilityPortability is a consideration if you need to work on the go. Laptops vary in weight and battery life, which can affect how easily you can transport and use them outside of a traditional office setting. Lightweight laptops are easier to carry but may compromise on performance or screen size. Battery life is important if you need to work away from a power source for extended periods. Consider how often you need to move your laptop and whether you prioritize a lightweight design or longer battery life for your work environment.